WETEX 2014 will focus on green solutions and green economy and the rapid developments and challenges in electricity, water and environment sectors, as well as research in best practices and solutions to address environmental challenges, in addition to displaying the latest energy technologies.

The 16th WETEX, one of the biggest specialised exhibitions at the international level, is being held under the theme 'At the forefront of sustainability' over three days from 14 - 16 April at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition in Halls 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and Zabeel Hall on display area of 47230 sq.m.

The opening was attended by a large number of economic and trade companies representatives, officials and journalists from the UAE. as well as senior officials from DEWA, the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy (DSCE) as well as government departments and agencies in Dubai.

H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum and Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Vice Chairman of the DSCE, MD & CEO of DEWA and founder of WETEX, took a tour of the exhibition, stopping at many prominent exhibitors' stands.

During his tour of the exhibition, H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum applauded the growth of WETEX over the past few years and hailed the efforts of DEWA in establishing itself as a sustainable world-class utility company. H.H. also recognized the huge achievements of DEWA in terms of reliability and efficiency of infrastructure for electricity and water services in Dubai and its efforts in energy management and rational consumption.

The opening was attended by a large number of economic and trade companies representatives, officials and journalists from the UAE.

H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum also opened the inaugural edition of "Green Week", which takes place between 14 - 20 April, and includes workshops and activities, and environmental and community initiatives designed to raise awareness towards rational consumption of water and electricity as well as the importance of implementing green practices. Nine platforms have been allocated in Hall 6 for this event which saw participation from the public and private sectors, including education and government institutions, in addition to non-profit organizations.

The first day of WETEX highlighted innovative solutions in electricity generation using nuclear energy and renewable energy as well as smart grids with high reliability and efficiency in addition to everything related to technology, desalination, rational consumption, environment conservation, waste management, green buildings, and solutions to reduce emissions of carbon dioxide.

"We thank H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum for joining us in this ceremony and for his insightful directives and support. We briefed him on the highlights of WETEX 2014, and the major companion events, such as the GreenWeek, SmarTech Shopper, and the World Green Economy Summit 2014," Al Tayer said.

"The strong corporate and national institutions' participation in the 16th WETEX is clear indication of the high position that it occupies on the global front, as a result of extensive promotional and marketing tours we undertook worldwide. We have succeeded in gathering energy, water, environment, sustainable development, and oil and gas sectors under one roof providing an ideal platform to communicate with partners and customers as well as offer services and solutions to a wide number of consumers. More than 1500 companies are participating in WETEX this year," Al Tayer added.

On day one of WETEX 2014, more than 150 participants representing 80 companies have participated in the conference of Phase Two of Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park Developers that was held in Rashid Hall. This shows the great importance the international investors put to renewable energy projects in general and Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park in particular.

Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of Dubai Electricity & Water Authority (DEWA) said: "I am pleased to be here with you today at this conference of the second phase project of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park with an output capacity of 100 megawatts, the project launched by Dubai Supreme Council of Energy to be run by DEWA and that supports the UAE's strategy on green sustainability, reflected in the initiative of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, Ruler of Dubai, "Green Economy for Sustainable Development" to achieve green sustainability in the UAE."
"The significance of this pioneering project lies in its uniqueness being the first of its kind in terms of its production capacity. It is one of a series of promising projects to use renewable energy in generating electricity in Dubai by utilising best international solutions."
Al Tayer added, "We leverage on your efforts and expertise as developers to ensure the success of the implementation of the second phase of this project that will complement the success we made in the inauguration of phase one last October. We regard you key part of this partnership that enhance collaboration between public and private sectors in the Emirate of Dubai to achieve best results and consolidate the position of the Emirate and the U.A.E. and their endeavor to achieve sustainable development and build a competitive economy in a future less dependent on oil resources. This will only be attained by utilising sustainable energy sources where phase two is one of these sources."
On the first day of WETEX, many exhibitors said that the international presence was due to Dubai's leading role in establishing new practices in accelerating the pace towards green economy and environment sustainability. Companies appreciated the qualitative additions, which have attracted visitors from more than 40 countries around the world. They also praised the efforts of DEWA in promoting clean energy solutions, environment sustainability and leading the process of transition to a more diversified and sustainable green economy.

WETEX 2014 attracted participation from leading government organisations. including Masdar, the U.A.E. Ministry of Environment and Water, Federal Electricity and Water Authority (FEWA), Sharjah Electricity and Water Authority (SEWA), Dubai Municipality , and Municipality of Abu Dhabi. International pavilions include those from Italy, Korea, China, India, Malaysia, Taiwan, United States, United Kingdom, Europe and Turkey are also participating at the show.

Al Tayer opened panel discussions and seminars which will continue over three days, addressed by leading international experts in energy, water, environment, electricity and sustainable development.

WETEX coincided with Green Week, which includes activities like a tour for Mr. & Mrs. Green around the exhibition, a tour for representatives from social responsibility awareness centers, welcoming events and activities with participations from schools, universities and institutions.

A Green Week Photo competition was also announced, in addition to holding conferences, panel discussions and meetings. Educational institutions participating include Higher Colleges of Technology, Hamdan Bin Mohammed Smart University (HBMsU), 'Ambassador of Sustainability' - Dubai Municipality , DEWA where engineers will provide comprehensive explanation on the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park as well as Sustainable Building. Also the Department of Rational Consumption will provide explanations on the rational consumption campaigns implemented by DEWA.

The first three days of Green Week are dedicated to social activities in Hall 6 of the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre. Green Week will then be move to Mirdif City Centre for three days until 19 April, thereafter continue on 20 April on social media to spread the rationalisation message to different social levels.

The fist-ever SmarTech Shopper, which targets the consumer sector, will be held under the theme 'Better Life', where exhibitors will showcase various eco-friendly household appliances and solutions. SmarTech Shopper will be open to the public, and will offer special discounts on household appliances and products.

DEWA has many initiatives and campaigns that have led to impressive results in electricity and water savings, to the tune of 1,012 megawatt hours of electricity over the previous years until 2013, while the total saving from rational water consumption was 4.9 billion gallons, equivalent of AED 662 million, in addition to the many programs that support the Dubai Integrated Energy Strategy 2030 in efficient management of energy demand and rationalization of consumption to reduce it by 30% by 2030.

The exhibition attracts a galaxy of leading regional and international pioneers in electricity, water, environment and oil and gas, recording 58 sponsors including Strategic, Platinum and Gold Sponsors.

The Strategic Sponsors of the show are Gulf Eternit Industries Company, the leading global manufacturer of large-diameter fiberglass pipe systems; Incotex Group which develops, manufactures, sells and supports a wide range of electronic products; The Dubai Supreme Council of Energy (DSCE), the governing body tasked with policy development, planning and coordinating with concerned authorities and energy bodies to deliver new energy sources while employing a balanced approach to protecting the environment; Emirates Electrical Engineering LLC (EEE), part of the Al Rostamani Group; Alstom that is specialised in transport and energy generation sectors; Ghantoot Group which mainly constructs general water systems; Jazeera Emirates Power that delivers vast range of cost effective electrical materials; ABB Transmission & Distribution Ltd, a global leader in power and automation technologies; Borouge Pte Ltd, a leading provider of innovative plastics solutions of high value; Emirates National Oil Company (ENOC), a leading oil and gas group of companies in the UAE; Al-Futtaim Group, one of the most progressive regional business houses headquartered in Dubai and operating through more than 65 companies across diverse sectors; Saaed Mohammed Al Ghandi & Sons, one of the largest automotive industry organisations in the Middle East; Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA), a jointly-owned, UAE-based aluminium conglomerate formed by Mubadala Development Corporation and Investment Corporation of Dubai; Emirates Central Cooling Systems Corporation (EMPOWER), the leading district cooling service provider in Dubai; Economic Zones World (EZW), the global developer and operator of economic zones, technology, logistics and industrial parks under the Dubai World Group and Technopark, the only technology park in the region.

Dubai Media Incorporated (DMI), the official media organisation of the government of Dubai is the Strategic Media Sponsor of WETEX 2014.

The Platinum Sponsors are Value Addition (FZC), a leading engineering company specialised in the conceptualization, design, supply, installation, commissioning and maintenance of solar photovoltaic and thermal systems, oil or gas fired boiler, vapour absorption chillers and high power LED lighting; Riyadh Cables & Metals Group of Companies, a leading company in the cable industry; Ducab Cable Manufacturing Company, a high-tech cables manufacturing company; National Fire Fighting Manufacturing FZCO (NAFFCO), a globally renowned fire protection specialists; Bahra Cables, one of the largest independent distributors and manufacturers of wires and industrial power cable products; Siemens AG, a globally leading company specialized in electronic and electrical engineering; Al Mostajed Technologies, specialised in global modern technologies and Vesta, a leading Enterprise Asset Management (EAM) company and KPIT Systems Infosystems ME FZE, specialised in technology consulting and engineering products; REC, a global solar energy company; The Kanoo Group, a gulf- based multinational group of companies with over 100 years of entrepreneurial experience.

The Gold Sponsors are Green Oasis Contracting Co, a leading construction company in U.A.E. and Extra Co, a leading manufacturer in the Middle East; IMCO Consolidated Limited (ICL), a pioneering engineering and construction company; Scientechnic, a leading specialised technologies company; Schneider Electric, French international heavy machinery manufacturing organisation; Lucy Switchgear Middle East, a leader in secondary power distribution solutions with over 100 years of industry experience; Jeddah Cable Company, a leading GCC manufacturer of all types of wires and cables; Emirates Transformers & Switchgear Limited, a pioneer manufacturer of transformers and switchgear in the UAE; Mitsubishi Electric Corporation, a global leader in electronics and electrical equipment manufacturing and selling; Getra Power S.P.A, a renowned company that operates in the engine, turbine and power transmission equipment manufacturing industry; Aikah Establishment, specialised in engineering and electrical products; Sunten Electric, a globally renowned supplier of electricity equipment for domestic and international urban power grid; Dubai Investments, one of the largest companies in the U.A.E. which plays a major role in the growth of the manufacturing and industrial sector across the UAE; Al Kawther Industries, a leading provider scientific and practical solutions on water scarcity as well as offering the most appropriate means for water desalination; Dragon Oil, an independent international oil and gas exploration, development and production business.

The Gold Sponsors also include Al Hijaz Mechanical Eqpt, a major environmental engineering player specialised in water and wastewater utilities; Gulf Jyoti, a leading company that caters to the growing demands of transmission and distribution (T&D) sector in the region owned jointly by Gulf Investment Corporation, Kuwait (GIC) and Jyoti Structures Limited, India (JSL); Total, an international company active in various energy sectors, including oil, gas, chemicals and new energies; SunPower which designs and manufactures high-efficiency crystalline silicon photovoltaic cells, roof tiles and solar panels; EY (Ernst & Young), one of the world's leading professional services organisations that helps companies across the globe to identify and capitalize on business opportunities; Emirates Trading Agency Power projects Division, an internationally renowned engineering and construction company in the field of energy transmission and distributio; Afaq Al Khaleej Engineering Resources which represents some of the foremost manufacturers and industrial groups in the world; Tenaga Nasional Berhad, the largest electric utility company in Malaysia and also the largest power company in Southeast Asia; Energoprojekt Entel, a consulting engineering company; Abengoa, specialised in innovative technology solutions for environmental sustainability; KPMG, one of the major professional services companies in the world and one of the Big Four auditors; Lindenberg, specialised in engineerin and construction and Amplex, a multi-disciplinary full service engineering consultancy; General Electric (GE), one of the largest manufacturers of electrical appliances in the world; Arabian Automobiles, the sole distributor of Nissan Cars and Genuine Nissan Parts in Dubai and the Northern Emirates; China Railway, the national railway operator of China; BASF is the world's leading chemical company; Insuwrap, the water proofing and wrapping products company; Tetra Tech Inc, a leading provider of consulting, engineering, program management, construction management and technical services worldwide and United Motors & Heavy Equipments Co. LLC , specialised in the sale, service, rental and distribution of equipment for the construction, oil field, power generation, mobile crane, air compressor, marine, air conditioning, truck and bus markets.

The Supporting Associations are The Saudi Arabia Solar Industry Association (SASIA), a non-governmental organisation dedicated to helping Saudi Arabia achieve its vast solar potential; The Romanian Photovoltaic Industry Association (RPIA), a non-profit organisation that aims to protect and sustain the interest of solar and PV developers and investors in Romania; and the Society of Engineers - U.A.E. (SOE), a non-profit, semi- government sector organisation aiming to the development and progress of national industry, engineering, construction, agriculture, and economy in cooperation with all U.A.E. government entities; Korea Association of Machine Industry; Italian Trade Agency; Malysia Trade Development Association (Matrade); Taiwan Drinking Water Equipment Association and Confederation of Indian Industry.